While the mention of toilets might not immediately conjure up images of marine life, New York is using recycled toilet porcelain to cultivate 50,000 oysters near John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New York City\u2019s recently announced Billion Oyster Project is designed to enhance storm protection measures and improve the quality of saltwater and freshwater wetlands in Jamaica Bay, where John F. Kennedy International Airport is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Decades ago, the oysters here went extinct due to pollution and overfishing. This $1 million oyster farming project uses nearly 5,000 broken toilets recycled from public schools as a makeshift farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials hope to help create a more sustainable and resilient city, helping New York City buffer against future storm impacts and purify its water sources. \"This oyster farm serves multiple purposes,\" said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. \"It protects wetlands from erosion, naturally filters water, and provides habitat for the few remaining marine creatures.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These net bags filled with shredded toilet bowls are set up along the coast, which not only protect wetlands and coastlines from erosion and excessive storm impact, but also provide habitats for fish and other organisms. Cultivated oysters can also filter pollutants in the water, helping to maintain a healthy marine ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When these 50,000 oysters mature, they are expected to spawn simultaneously and reproduce on their own. Authorities will monitor the improvement of water quality in the surrounding waters for two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n